Hodgson to manage under 21s on one-off basis

England manager Roy Hodgson will take charge of his country's under-21 side for its match against Scotland this month, giving him an opportunity to work closely with up-and-coming players at the start of a World Cup season.

The under 21s are without a manager following Stuart Pearce's departure after a poor campaign in the European Championship this summer, and Hodgson offered to step in on a one-off basis.

Hodgson says ''in a World Cup year, it makes absolute sense while there is the chance to do it.''

The under 21s play Scotland at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on Aug 13, a day before England's senior team takes on the Scots at Wembley Stadium.